Readers Respond: Tell us about your experiences with kidney disease in pets

Kidney failure is common in dogs and cats, especially as they age, called chronic renal failure.

Lilies (for cats), antifreeze, and grapes and raisins, are all common substances that may cause acute (sudden) kidney failure in pets.

The signs seen with kidney failure may be dramatic - failure to urinate, anorexia, vomiting. Often more subtle changes are seen, often attributed to "just old age." Knowing the signs of kidney failure will help you get your pet to the vet sooner to begin treatment.

What signs did you notice, and how do you cope with your pet's kidney disease and manage clinical signs at home?

JAZZ - 18 YR OLD TORTI

In Jan 2012, noticed she was getting thinner even though she had a good appetite. Vet diagnosed with thryoid disease; put on Hills y/d food. She started at 14# in 2011, down to 6.4 in Jan 2012, now, March 2 2012, she is 4.6 pounds. Vet says kidneys are failing and only 3-4 weeks away from inevitable. The y/d food was great initially, but now she is disliking most foods....enjoys treats, so I may start giving her what she shouldn't have and let her enjoy the time she has left!

—Guest JUDI

Renal Failure

My sons cat started to throw up 3 days ago took her to the vet found out she has kidney disease and it would cost 1000.00 to fix. I used mt grocery money to pay for the diagnosis. She died last night. It was fast I HATE DEATH

—Guest Sharon

changes of my cat's behavior

my 12 years old cat had been a wonderful disciplined pet, he started loosing weight rapidly, he went down from 15.5 pounds (6 kg) to 7 pounds, urinate on our rugs, drinks water frequently and in bigger quantities. vomiting occured more then twice a week . He did not loose his appetite though, on the contrary we noticed him to eat new foods he never ate before. Because he must have been in pain he withdrew and became more of a loner and preferred dark quite spots, mainly the closets. Another change that one must watch is the enarged pupil. After being diagnosed with kidney problems, the vet put him on intravenus with antibiotic and vitamines for three days, he improved but still finishing his course of antibtic. But since he is back he never slept deeply as he used to, he mainly curls up and keeps quite, but still peeing on the rugs.

—Guest h hammoud

Renal Failure

My cat had renal failure at the age of three. shes been treated and her kidneys are okay now. however, shes still peeing on the carpet and on vents and on the piano. We have taken her to the vet multiple times and she still does it. We don't know what to do anymore.

—Guest sofi

early kidney failure-exploding paws

My 10 yr old male cat diagnosed with early kidney failure. On subQ fluids, renal gel, pepcid. All paws are growing large back paws worse. Vet doesn't know what it is-sent biopsey and culture to lab.

—Guest Janae

Stage III Kidney Failure

I have a 12 year old Mixed Dachshund (Chow). I took my dog in for neutering because of tumour growth around his annus and found out my dog is in Stage III Renal Failure and only have use of 25% of his kidney. I am at a complete loss for words because my local vet always told me he was as healthy as it comes and he Never did any senior wellness examiniation so that this could have been caught earlier. I know my dog is older but when I take the time to keep up with his health needs from a professional I really expected the best of care and information. I am fortunate to now have a Doctor who cares, taking all of the precautions to slow down this disease and giving me the information I asked for all the while while paying for care for my dog. I am still disappointed and hurt.

—Guest Tonya

please help

my male cat is almost 6 yrs old & we have found out he has kidney problems, he is not eating, very little water, & blood in urine, getting worse now, has been to the vet stayed 2 nites had iv & catheter came home was put on special diet & benazapal 5mg. we have got a very small amount of baby food meat down him, he was drinking some water but seems to have almost stopped now, we have had blood work done & his b.u.n. is still very high & so is his creatinine, he is going down fast & the vet says he has done all that he can do......

—Guest kidney problems

Managing Renal problems

We've been hydrating our 15 yr old kitty every night and she seems to be doing well since her diagnosis approximately two years ago. She is also on thyroid and blood pressure pills. She is on special renal food from the vet and is still wild and sweet. I rescued her 5 years ago and must be around 15 now. We love her so much. She is so sweet and so smart.

—Guest Gloria Ware

CRF

We having good luck and results with SubQ fluids, Pepcid and Royal Canin Renal Diet for cats. He has gained back weight and some energy. The Royal Canin diet is tasty. We puree the wet so he can get more fluids and he loves the dry, too. However, we do have to encourage him to start eating but once that is done, he does well. It is a full time job!

—Guest Sheridannomore

Kidney problems in senior mini dachshund

Our miniature dachshund is 13 years old, and earlier this year she started to show some of the same symptoms listed here in the article. Sure enough, her kidney function was worsening. Now she's eating special food that's low in protein (which she doesn't like so much... so we mix it with a bit of regular dog food). Also, she's taking some extra medicines once a day. But the good news is that at her last check-up she got a great report from the doctor! And she's been seeming more like her usual lively self.

—Guest Nancy